Kathmandu, March 28 (Udaipur Kiran) : In a major and dramatic development in Nepal’s politics, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested early Saturday in connection with a criminal case linked to violence and alleged excessive use of force during the ‘Gen Z’ protests held in September 2025.
The arrest comes just a day after rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new Prime Minister. Notably, the same protest movement had earlier led to Oli being removed from power.
Senior Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has also been taken into custody in the same case. Both leaders were arrested from their residences in Bhaktapur. There is a possibility that charges may be filed against them under provisions carrying a maximum punishment of up to 10 years.
Gen Z Movement Changed Nepal’s Political Landscape
The large-scale protests in September 2025, led primarily by youth and termed the ‘Gen Z revolution’, began with demands for digital freedom. However, the agitation soon expanded into a wider movement against corruption, unemployment, poor governance, and political instability.
At that time, KP Sharma Oli was heading the government.
76 Killed During Protests
The government’s strict action to suppress the protests escalated the situation. At least 76 people were killed in the violence, while more than 2,000 were injured. On the very first day, at least 19 protesters lost their lives in police firing, which intensified public outrage and eventually forced Oli to resign.
Panel Recommends Prosecution
A high-level commission formed to investigate the incident recommended legal action against KP Sharma Oli. The panel stated that as the executive head of the country, Oli should be held accountable for the violence, as he failed to prevent the firing.
The report further noted that the executive head must bear responsibility for both positive and negative outcomes during their tenure. Apart from Oli, the commission also recommended action against then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung and several other officials.
Oli has strongly rejected the allegations and the commission’s findings, calling them baseless, defamatory, and politically motivated. He claimed that the report was prepared with malicious intent.
Up to 10 Years Jail Possible
If the case proceeds based on the commission’s recommendations and the court finds them guilty, Oli, Ramesh Lekhak, and other officials could face up to 10 years in prison.
Politically, this has been a difficult phase for Oli. In the general elections held on March 5, he suffered a significant defeat at the hands of National Independent Party leader Balen Shah.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
